Home > Technobuddy > Archives > 2007 > November > 16 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USI’m dreaming of Christmas toys
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I’m giving toys this Christmas whether my family likes it or not.
All this may come as a surprise to my mom. My brother the physician may not know what to think for a change, but that’s the way it will be.
Why toys? Well, this is the time of the year for gifts that turn the oldest of us into children. There’s a just-right feeling in unwrapping something that isn’t remotely useful and can only be used for fun.
Maybe all this is an over-reaction by me since - despite my yearnings - I spend Christmas mornings unwrapping socks, sweaters, khaki pants and the occasional sports jacket.
What I really want is something that blinks, squawks or runs around mindlessly in circles - sort of like what my Uncle Rod used to do at holiday parties.
So bear with me today while I wrap up some of my toy yearnings.
We’ll start with a rocket ship. Not only does it fly - topping 1,000 feet - it takes video or digital still images while making the trip.
My choice is the Estes Astrovision Video Rocket available from this Web site. You’ll pay $80.25 - admittedly costlier than a fireworks rocket - but this missile uses reusable rocket engines (a pack of three is just under $10). Little assembly is required and, hey, the sky is the limit.
You’ll get the software needed to download your video or still pictures to a laptop computer. One thing to note: the camera stores its work on memory chips that can’t hold data for long periods, so you’ll need to take the laptop to the launching.
While we’re up in the air, let me recommend the Micro Mosquito. You won’t need bug repellent. Instead, you get a tiny radio controlled helicopter that can do extraordinary aerial dances.
This isn’t the sort of craft to take outside - just a breath of wind sends it tumbling - but think of the fun of watching it take off from the dining table and flying to the top of the Christmas tree. Now that’s a toy!
You’ll find it at Radio Shack for $69.95. It’s Model 61081.
The next toy on my list will stir up some controversy. When it comes to video game consoles, folks get down right ugly. But my choice is the Nintendo Wii. It’s not the most powerful of the competing consoles but I think it does the best job of appealing to all ages and sexes.
The controller is unlike any you’ve seen. Simply waving it around can cause action on the screen. Don’t stand next to someone during an action packed moment - you risk losing a tooth.
It may be a little hard to find. Amazon was out of stock the day I looked. Using an online search - and depending on how the system is bundled with controllers and games - you will pay a bit over $400 for it.
I’m now going to include a toy I would like to find under the tree. Some of you may quibble about whether it’s a toy - after all it is educational - but there’s no law that says toys can’t be.
It comes from Meade and is called mySKY. You point mySKY at an object in the night sky, like sighting through a rifle scope, then click the trigger. The gadget tells you about that object in the sky using sound and video on its LCD screen. It’s pricey at $399, but you can console yourself with the knowledge it is an educational gadget that is likely to be used for years.
You can find it on the Meade Web site here.
It wouldn’t be a holiday without a game and, when it comes to games that can be played on the PC, I have a clear favorite. I’ve played this series of games for more than two years now so you can tell I think it’s a winner.
The series is called Guild Wars. There are several games in the series and you buy them separately. The newest of the standalone games is called Guild Wars Nightfall. There’s also an expansion pack - you must own one of the standalone games to use it - called Eye of the North. You- l pay about $50 for Nightfall and $40 for Eye of the North. Most stores will have it, or you can buy it at the company’s Web site here.
These games are played online - so you need an Internet connection, preferably a high speed one. But unlike so many other online games, you don’t pay a monthly fee.
If you buy one of the Guild Wars games, look me up online. Since it’s a combat game I may kill you, but - with my skills - you’ll probably kill me. My game name is Just Axe Me.
OK. That’s today’s list of toys. For those grouches out there who insist on useful high tech gifts, I’ll soon oblige. But meantime, leave me with my dreams.
Permalink | Comments (4) | Post your comment | Categories: Columns
Comments
By Mark Chipkin
November 17, 2007 3:47 PM | Link to this
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: Saturday, November 17, 2007 Re: TickleMe Plant Company, Inc City: Pawling, N.Y.
TickleMe Plants- Give the Plant Gift, That Moves When You Tickle It!
“Daddy come quick, my plant just moved when I tickled it,” daughter Rebecca screamed to her father, Larry Chipkin. Thus began the success of the TickleMe Plant Company and the seeds and growing kits that Chipkin now sells. What’s a TickleMe Plant? Native to Brazil, TickleMe Plants can be found growing wild there and in other tropical areas. The scientific name for the TickleMe Plant is Mimosa pudica. “We simply planted the seeds in a flower pot with soil, watered it and the plants sprouted in days,” he says. “Two weeks later, we tickled this sensitive plant and watched in amazement as the plant closed its leaves and lowered its branches. Then, within 15 minutes, it lifted its fernlike branches and opened its leaves.” About The TickleMe Plant Company The TickleMe Plant Company offers new educational plant products and activities at www.ticklemeplant.com Their year round, easy to grow products, include: The TickleMe Plant Seed Packets, Growing Kit and Greenhouse. “We want every child (and those young at heart) to have a positive experience growing plants. Growing the TickleMe Plant from seeds, will be an adventure children (5 to 105) will never forget,” Larry says. A packet of seeds is about $4.95. Complete growing kits are also available. Visit www.ticklemeplant.com or call (845)350-4800. TickleMe Plant products also can be found at Science Museums, Nature Centers, stores and catalogs that offer educational products that excite youngsters about nature. Larry Chipkin TickleMe Plant Company, Inc. Eden Farm 60 Hurds Corner Road Pawling, N.Y. 12564 845-350-4800 Larry@TickleMePlant.com
By Ghost
November 19, 2007 9:18 AM | Link to this
Good list there, but I’m only looking at getting a Logitech G25 steering wheel for my old PS2 that I can also use with my PC. It’s pricey when it comes to wheels ($299), but it can be had online for much less.
I’m really into racing games and that’s all I need.
Merry Christmas everyone!
By Ghost
November 19, 2007 9:23 AM | Link to this
Oh yeah, I’m still on the sidelines waiting for the hi-def DVD war to be settled, so I haven’t bought one yet. Maybe the PS3 will push me one way if I buy it to be able to play Formula 1 Championship Edition.
Merry Christmas everyone!
By Parley paz
November 23, 2007 1:10 AM | Link to this
My little sister bought a Style Styling Head Barbie from Toysrus store at Couponalbum.com & saved $20…!!!